On April 28, the 186 meter long, 7150 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Sorrento caught fire in the Mediterranean Sea off Dragonera Island, Spain. The Sorrento had departed from Palma with 156 passengers  and crew en route to Valencia when a blaze broke out on the car deck. The fire spewed out plumes of thick black smoke. The crew tried to fight the blaze, but the intensity of the fire and smoke forced an evacuation into the ferry’s lifeboats.  Authorities were alerted and diverted four vessels and helicopters to the scene. Three crew members suffered smoke inhalation and were rescued by helicopter and taken for treatment. Reports state there were over 100 vehicles on board that were destroyed. Authorities were able to tow the burnt out ferry into Valencia. No reports of pollution released.

 

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